Local critics said the plan could cause disruption to historic areas of Greenwich.

The plan has not been approved but is part of an overall effort from the Federal Railroad Administration to upgrade train systems through the Northeast Corridor. Changes could well be decades into the future, but work on the plan is being done now.

The proposed $135 billion plan would allow for high speed rail to take people between Boston and Washington, D.C. The state, through Gov. Dannel Malloy, has pushed for infrastructure upgrades to improve rail service in Connecticut.

Pushback has come from those worried that track for high speed rail along the Interstate 95 corridor would destroy historic areas. Stroud has been a vocal opponent.

and Jo Conboy, chairman of the Greenwich Preservation Trust, said she hopes people will come out to hear him speak.

“Not a lot of people are even aware that this is being looked at,” said Jo Conboy, chairman of the Greenwich Preservation trust. “They either don’t know about it or they don’t think it will ever happen. Meanwhile there has been an environmental impact study done and this is sailing forward.”

According to Conboy, the expansion for new rail lines could have a major impact in Cos Cob where the historic Bush Holley House and the Greenwich Historical Society are located. Additionally, Conboy said it might run through Byram Shore Road and historic graveyards in town as well as historic neighborhoods in Riverside and Old Greenwich.

State Rep. Michael Bocchino (R-150th) said there has been little specifics within the legislature about the proposal, including on the Transportation Committee, based on conversations he’s had with its members.

“There have been talks and discussions but no particular plan has been put forward,” Bocchino said.

State Rep. Fred Camillo (R-151st) said the delegation was concerned about the proposal.

“The public needs to be equipped with all of the knowledge, pro and con, regarding this proposal as well as have enough time to see that their concerns are addressed well in advance of any possible start of the project,” Camillo said.

Cos Cob

The first of the Memorial Day observances will be in Cos Cob on May 27.

The traditional gathering outside the Cos Cob Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10112 Memorial is done every Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Members of the VFW Post, along with family and supporters, will come together at 10:30 a.m. at the memorial, on Strickland Road across the street from the Bush-Holley House.

Longtime members of the VFW Post will lead a brief service. The post will be turning 50 in 2018 and the members, who include veterans of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam, have kept the traditions alive.

“It’s very important that we do this,” post member Anthony Marzullo said. “You have to honor the veterans, especially the ones that fought and died for our freedom.”

Marzullo said it will also have a focus on those fighting for the country now.

Parking in the area is more limited than usual because of the ongoing construction for a new campus for the Greenwich Historical Society. People can park in the marina lot adjacent to the monument.

The town native was staff photographer for the Greenwich Post and is currently the official town of Greenwich photographer.

He is also a painter. Nearly 70 of Robben’s paintings, the work of 30 years, will be on display from 5 to 8 p.m. May 25 at the YMCA of Greenwich. The collection will also include at least one painting by his daughter, Bailey.

All the work is for sale.

He said the collection represents, “…a creative evolving variety of styles and brand new techniques I discovered.”

Robben said he has always wanted to do a local art show, having done one years ago in Soho.

While Robben said he would be talking about his painting techniques, mostly the show will be about his love of art.

“I love the way the brush with paint touches a surface,” Robben said. “It’s a very calming thing and you have to learn to have patience with it.”

The event is free and open to the public.

Backcountry

The Greenwich based Friends of Autistic People will mark its 20 years of advocacy for autistic adults with a special celebration on May 24 that honors Greenwich residents Tommy and Dee Hilfiger.

FAP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people who have Autism and their families. Brita Daranyvon Regensburg and her husband, Tibor, founded FAP in 1997 after difficulties finding a proper place to take care of her daughter Vanessa, who has profound autism. Since no one was able to help them, they decided to do it themselves.

“Time flies,” von Regensburg said. “Sometimes it feels so short and sometimes it feels so long. You just keep going and going no matter what.”

The event will be a fundraiser with proceeds going to help FAP’s music therapy program for autistic children and youths from low-income families, and for the long-term goal of a farm-based community for grown children with autism.

Food and drink will be provided by Susan Kane Catering and Val’s Putnam Wines. Entertainment includes Greenwich illusionist Ben Zabin. Attendees will get a signed copy of Hilfiger’s memoir in a gift box.

The event will include a fashion show of Hilfiger clothing. Models include Miss Connecticut Olga Litvinenko, a Greenwich resident, and young adults with autism.

A live and silent auction will also be a part of the fundraiser.

“This event reflects that we are very well known and highly respected but still need that critical community support to do big things,” von Regensburg said. “It shows the fruit of years of advocacy. We’re trying to improve loves and educate the community.”